Top healing foods that stop ovarian cancer in its tracks

Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly diseases. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among US women -- an astounding 14,000 out of 23,000 diagnosed each year die. Ovarian cancer tends to be aggressive and generally has very few symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.  Fortunately, several natural remedies have proven to be exceptionally useful in both preventing and curing this silent killer. Ginger, ginkgo biloba, green tea and flaxseed are all remarkably effective at destroying ovarian cancer cells and tumors -- hindering proliferation and increasing survival rates dramatically.

Food as medicine

Diet is extremely influential in preventing as well as healing ovarian cancer. Beyond consuming an abundant variety of fresh produce and limiting dairy, meat and sugar, certain foods specifically target ovarian cancer cells -- demonstrating extraordinary success in defeating this life-threatening disease.

Superfood Kitchen Giveaway Winner

Let me just say, I had a blast with this promotion. Not only was it fun revisiting one of my all time favorite cookbooks, but just the idea of another lucky reader enjoying it too was enough to make my week. I simply loved reading all the wonderful comments and connecting with new people. If my bank account could handle a giveaway every couple of weeks, I'd do it in a heartbeat. For now, though, I will need to stick with the occasional event here and there. But don't worry, more gift-bearing promotions are are the way. So stay tuned. As for the winner this time around . . .

Superfood Kitchen + Cacao nibs will be arriving shortly on Sharaya Nicole's doorstep.

A hearty thank you to everyone who participated. Until the next time. 

Forget Prozac - try probiotics to ease anxiety, curb depression and elevate mood

Could eating yogurt be a replacement for antidepressants? A group of scientists believe so. Groundbreaking research has shown that a common strain of probiotic can create GABA within the gut while also enhancing brain receptors for this neurotransmitter. Naturally produced GABA is a safe alternative to dangerous psychiatric drugs -- it calms the nervous system, promotes tranquil sleep, minimizes anxiety and alleviates depression. This is good news for over 50 million people around the world who use antidepressants.

Perils of a "Prozac Nation"

With a 400 percent increase of antidepressant use from 1994-2008, it looks as though the United States certainly is a Prozac Nation. An astounding 1 in 5 women between the ages of 40-59 use Prozac while nearly 4 percent of adolescents are on antidepressants. Second only to cholesterol drugs, prescriptions for antidepressants rose to an incredible 255 million in 2010 alone. World-wide, the sale of antidepressants totals over 20 billion dollars a year. This industry does not come without serious health risks.

Vitamin P deficiency: How lack of pleasure severely impacts health

As we race through our busy days and barely take time to eat, let alone enjoy a meal, more is at stake than simply depriving our taste buds - vitality is seriously compromised too. When we don't take pleasure in our food, regardless of how nutritionally superior it may be, our mental and physical well-being plummet. Scientific research agrees: If we consume tasteless fare, health suffers.

Pleasure as the ultimate health kick

Seeking a way to lower cholesterol, absorb more nutrients or slim down? Research has found the simple element of pleasure may be the key. According to Marc David, founder of the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, "When you're turned on by food, you turn on metabolism." He references three studies involving pleasure and health.

The first took place at the University of Texas where participants suffering from high cholesterol were given a general low-fat diet - with one exception: each was allowed to splurge every other day with a ham and cheese sandwich along with a milkshake. We would expect cholesterol levels to sky-rocket, but they didn't. In fact, there wasn't an elevation at all. David attributes this surprising finding to "… relaxed and celebrated moments in an otherwise bland and stressful diet. And that decrease in fight-or-flight chemistry could have been, by itself, enough to lower cholesterol…"

Not just another pretty face -- Boost immunity, soothe anxiety and calm distressed skin with cornflower herb

As a powerful medicinal plant, cornflower offers a wealth of benefit. Muscle and joint pain, eye complaints, anxiety, skin irritations and digestive upset all respond well to this edible flower. Cornflower also helps to increase immunity -- a welcome tonic during the cold and flu season. Easy to grow, these brilliant blooms are as versatile as they are beautiful.

Sometimes known as 'bachelor's button', cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) grows wild throughout Europe and certain parts of North America. Bearing rich blue flowers, the plant can reach up to three feet high. Native to Greece and Turkey, cornflower has a long history of healing use.

Discover the 7 habits of highly healthy people

Ever marvel over friends, family members or colleagues who never seem to get sick? They breeze through flu epidemics, office stomach bugs and colds totally unscathed. It truly makes one wonder: Is there a secret to outstanding health in the middle of the coughing, sneezing and miserably ill masses? Absolutely. But you may be surprised as to the reasons.

In the general scheme of life, there really isn't a magic bullet to great health, although there are certain habits that resilient individuals tend to adopt. Some may be familiar, others a bit more unexpected.

Quality rest

Robust people normally do not burn the midnight oil. Good sleep each night is the foundation for keeping the immune system in top form. Going to bed before 10 PM and eliminating exposure to light, especially computer screens, encourages melatonin production -- fostering sound sleep.